Android Applications

Yesterday at Google I/O it was almost all about Chrome, but they also covered a lot about the Android Market and had quite a bit to say regarding some much needed improvements. Having an app be discovered by the users has always been a challenge for Android. I know a few great game dev's that had a hard time getting their apps into the eyes of users. Google has introduced 5 great new ways to discover all the newest and greatest apps on the Android Market, a very welcomed improvement.

Looks like Android just keeps getting bigger and bigger, not to mention better with every release and will surely be very exciting once Ice Cream Sandwich launches. According to new numbers from the live sessions at Google I/O Android Market application installations has seen an extremely rapid growth of installs.

We came across a nifty little tutorial that can turn an Android smartphone into a wireless webcam. The tutorial, on Instructables, uses an Android and PC app called DroidCam. We just tested it out and while it crashed a few times, it worked quite well with Skype, making it a viable video chat option for those who don't want to buy a separate camera. Here's a breakdown on how to set it up.

Whoa what do we have here, it appears that the new Samsung Infuse 4G now allows for side-loading apps. Something no Android phone on AT&T has been able to do before. From our hands on with the new Infuse 4G it looks like you are now able to select the box "Unknown Sources" and can now install non-market applications. This is huge news because until now users have had to resort to tricks and hackery to side-load applications to AT&T phones.

Android users looking for a safe and secure cloud storage option may want to check out Wuala. This online storage service uses an encryption method where the files on your Android handset are encrypted. Then when users upload them to the cloud, not even Wuala knows what they are. Users can also use Wuala to sync across multiple platforms and computers, so files are up to date everywhere.

A few weeks back, we reported that HBO to GO would be coming to the Android Market. The we didn't know when it would be coming to Android, although it was strongly hinted at May 2nd in their commercials. Well, HBO has released it early and the app is now live. Users who subscribe to the PayTV service can download it to most Android devices.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is back in the news regarding dog fighting. Only it's not what you think. Vick, who did time in the big house for animal cruelty after running an illegal dog fighting ring, is leading the charge to have an Android app banned which Vick believes glorifies the activity. Game Developers for Kage Games disagree, claiming that the "Dog Wars" app educates users on the evils of animal cruelty and that proceeds will benefit animal rescue organizations and the Japanese tsunami relief effort. They even hide behind the first amendment stating that freedom of expression protects them against what they call "prejudgment."

Users of Evernote know how beneficial it is to save important information, images, just about anything and organizing it for easy retrieval. In today's mobile based society, it was only a matter of time and effort before Evernote produced a mobile app. And it's proven quite useful for users on the Android platform. Now, Evernote has introduced version 3, which offers some serious updates including sharing, improved text editing, a widget redesign, and more.

HBO is expanding it's reach to subscribers who have Android handsets and tablets. The service, known as HBO Go, is part of HBOs "TV Everywhere" initiative and will be available on both Android (note the Motorola Droid X in the commercial below), as well as iOS platforms. It will enable users to stream content from every episode of HBO original series, as well as hit movies. In addition, Max Go, which is based on their sister network Cinemax, will also be available.

A quick lesson for all those that might not know. Users who purchase apps from the Android Marketplace should make sure they look into the details. According to the Google Publishing agreement, buyers have 48 hours from the time of purchase to request a refund if the app isn't to their liking. Or do they? Looking in Android Market's Return App Support, it says after 15 minutes, All sales are final.